Education
B.A., Wildlife Biology, SUNY Empire State College, 2018
M.S. in Animals and Public Policy, Tufts University, 2020
Biography
Current Position:
Conservation Agent, Spencer Town Hall in Spencer, MA
What were you doing before entering the Masters in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP) program?
I have been working with C-SPEC since October 2018, studying behavior and adaptation among seals and sea lions in human care. I also recently moved back to Massachusetts after being gone for more than 10 years, so I have been spending a lot of my time with my family. I work part-time at my sister’s spa in Worcester.
What aspects of MAPP led to your decision to join the program?
When I was selecting a major for my Bachelors, I had difficulty deciding if I wanted to focus more on biology or conservation. The aspects of MAPP tie in what interested me in conservation and I think will pair really well with my studies in Wildlife Biology. I was also very intrigued by the opportunities that may present themselves upon completing this program.
Interests in and experience with animals
I grew up with all types of animals. We always had cats, dogs, rabbits, fish, etc. I grew up riding horses and spending summers on my uncle’s farm. I have basically always had at least one pet. For most of my childhood I wanted to be a veterinarian, but as I got older I became more interested in aiding wildlife. During my undergraduate studies I spent a semester studying the behavior of squirrels, which I really enjoyed. I have also been studying seals and sea lions for almost a year now.
What are your outside interests?
Outside of school and work, I like to hike and paddle board. I’m an artist and in my free time I enjoy painting, although the free time is hard to find. I also really enjoy horseback riding and taking my dog, Ripley, on adventures.
Number of pets? What?
I have 3 pets; a dog and two cats. Ripley is a 6-year-old female Siberian Husky. My two cats are named Savannah (who is a boy) and Josie.
MAPP Externship
The Cooperative Effort of Wildlife Management and Improving Human-Wildlife Relationships in Massachusetts